From temples to jungles to iconic railways
13 Days
11 to 23 March 2026
Active
$5,280pptw
106 villabucks
From temples to jungles to iconic railways
Sri Lanka awaits with a spectacular journey through ancient kingdoms, tea-clad highlands, wildlife sanctuaries and coastal treasures. From the sacred cities of the Cultural Triangle to the misty hill country and the iconic railways weaving through emerald plantations, this captivating island offers unforgettable diversity. Wander through centuries-old heritage, spot wildlife on safari, delight in fragrant spices and experience the warmth of Sri Lankan culture on this remarkable adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1. Welcome to Negombo in Sri Lanka (D)
Your journey begins with a late-night departure from Perth, travelling via Singapore to Sri Lanka. After arriving in Negombo, settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner as you ease into island life.
Two nights: Goldi Sands Hotel.
Day 2. Dutch Canal and Kingsmen Garden (BL)
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Negombo including the lively fish market, St Mary’s Church and a peaceful boat ride along the Dutch Canal. Visit the Ceylon Kingsmen Garden for a plantation experience and lunch before returning to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon.
Day 3. Negombo to Sigiriya to Dambulla (BLD)
Travel to Sigiriya to explore the extraordinary 5th-century rock fortress built by King Kashyapa. Rising dramatically from the plains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its engineering brilliance, frescoes and ancient gardens. Continue to Dambulla for your stay in the Cultural Triangle.
Two nights: Oakray Elephant Lake Hotel.
Day 4. Anuradhapura Day Excursion (BLD)
Discover Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and home to sacred monuments. Visit the ancient stupas, the Thuparama dagoba and the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in India. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before returning to Dambulla.
Day 5. Dambulla to Kandy (BL)
Visit the Dambulla rock temple, a cave complex filled with centuries-old Buddhist art. Continue to Kandy, stopping in Matale to learn about Sri Lanka’s fragrant spices. In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and explore historic sites including the Queen’s Bathing Pavilion, the Garrison Cemetery and local devales.
Two nights: Radisson Hotel Kandy.
Day 6. Kandy (BD)
This morning wander through the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, first designed as a pleasure garden for royalty. The rest of the day is free before this evening’s traditional cultural dance performance at the Kandy Lake Club, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7. Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (BLD)
Travel into the cool highlands, stopping at Ramboda waterfall, a cascading beauty surrounded by valleys and mountain scenery. After lunch, visit a tea plantation to learn about the process behind world-famous Ceylon tea. Complete your day with a delightful high tea at the historic Grand Hotel.
One night: Araliya Red Hotel.
Day 8. Nuwara Eliya to Ella to Tissamaharama (BD)
After breakfast transfer to Nanu Oya for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Travel by train to Ella, passing rolling tea fields, misty peaks and waterfalls. Visit the renowned Nine Arches Bridge before continuing by road to Tissamaharama on the edge of Yala National Park.
Two nights: Oak Ray Wild Yala Hotel.
Day 9. Udawalawe Park and Elephant Transit Home (BLD)
Travel to Udawalawe for a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, birdlife and sweeping landscapes. Visit the Elephant Transit Home to see young orphaned elephants being rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Enjoy a restful afternoon and dinner at the hotel.
Day 10. Tissamaharama to Galle (BL)
Rise early for a safari in Yala National Park, known for its wildlife diversity and one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards. Later travel to Galle, stopping at the Galle International Cricket Stadium before enjoying free time in this coastal city.
Two nights: The Merchant Hotel.
Day 11. Galle (B)
Enjoy a walking tour of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras. Handmade lace and artisan workshops add to the charm. Enjoy a free afternoon to wander, shop or relax.
Day 12. Galle to Colombo (BD)
Enjoy a relaxed start before visiting the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, an important conservation centre releasing millions of hatchlings over the years. Continue to Colombo for free time followed by a farewell dinner.
One night: Cinnamon Red Colombo.
Day 13. Depart Colombo (BD)
Depart for a morning tour of Colombo, a city where modern development blends with colonial heritage. Visit the clock tower, temples, Pettah Bazaar and historic neighbourhoods. Spend the afternoon relaxing before your late check-out and final dinner. Later transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Perth.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
Guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
Dates & Pricing
$5,280pptw
$1,265 single option
Highlights
• Negombo tour through coastal heritage and vibrant local life
• Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lanka’s iconic ancient stronghold
• Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities
• Discover how spices are grown and processed in the hill country
• Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered temple
• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, once a royal pleasure garden
• Culture dance performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan arts
• Visit Ramboda waterfall in the highlands
• Visit a tea plantation and observe the journey of Ceylon tea
• Scenic railway from Nanu Oya to Ella through lush landscapes
• See the Nine Arches Bridge, a masterpiece of colonial engineering
• Experience an encounter at Udawalawe Park and the Elephant Transit Home
• Spot wildlife including leopards, elephants, birds and buffalo at Yala National Park
• Tour the port city of Galle with Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture
• Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery supporting marine conservation
Inclusions
• Pre and post tour transfers (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• 12 nights accommodation
• 28 meals
• Local specialists and guides
• A scheduled pre-departure meeting with your tour leader and fellow travellers
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Dates & Pricing
Duration: 13 Days
Dates: 11 to 23 March 2026
Activity Level: Active
$5,280pptw
$1,265 single option
Earn: 106 villabucks
Highlights
• Negombo tour through coastal heritage and vibrant local life
• Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lanka’s iconic ancient stronghold
• Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities
• Discover how spices are grown and processed in the hill country
• Temple of the Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most revered temple
• Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, once a royal pleasure garden
• Culture dance performance showcasing traditional Sri Lankan arts
• Visit Ramboda waterfall in the highlands
• Visit a tea plantation and observe the journey of Ceylon tea
• Scenic railway from Nanu Oya to Ella through lush landscapes
• See the Nine Arches Bridge, a masterpiece of colonial engineering
• Experience an encounter at Udawalawe Park and the Elephant Transit Home
• Spot wildlife including leopards, elephants, birds and buffalo at Yala National Park
• Tour the port city of Galle with Portuguese, Dutch and British architecture
• Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery supporting marine conservation
Inclusions
• Pre and post tour transfers (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• Airfares and taxes (ex Perth, Western Australia)
• 12 nights accommodation
• 28 meals
• Local specialists and guides
• A scheduled pre-departure meeting with your tour leader and fellow travellers
Itinerary
Day 1. Welcome to Negombo in Sri Lanka (D)
Your journey begins with a late-night departure from Perth, travelling via Singapore to Sri Lanka. After arriving in Negombo, settle into your hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner as you ease into island life.
Two nights: Goldi Sands Hotel.
Day 2. Dutch Canal and Kingsmen Garden (BL)
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Negombo including the lively fish market, St Mary’s Church and a peaceful boat ride along the Dutch Canal. Visit the Ceylon Kingsmen Garden for a plantation experience and lunch before returning to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon.
Day 3. Negombo to Sigiriya to Dambulla (BLD)
Travel to Sigiriya to explore the extraordinary 5th-century rock fortress built by King Kashyapa. Rising dramatically from the plains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is celebrated for its engineering brilliance, frescoes and ancient gardens. Continue to Dambulla for your stay in the Cultural Triangle.
Two nights: Oakray Elephant Lake Hotel.
Day 4. Anuradhapura Day Excursion (BLD)
Discover Anuradhapura, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and home to sacred monuments. Visit the ancient stupas, the Thuparama dagoba and the revered Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to be grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in India. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before returning to Dambulla.
Day 5. Dambulla to Kandy (BL)
Visit the Dambulla rock temple, a cave complex filled with centuries-old Buddhist art. Continue to Kandy, stopping in Matale to learn about Sri Lanka’s fragrant spices. In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and explore historic sites including the Queen’s Bathing Pavilion, the Garrison Cemetery and local devales.
Two nights: Radisson Hotel Kandy.
Day 6. Kandy (BD)
This morning wander through the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, first designed as a pleasure garden for royalty. The rest of the day is free before this evening’s traditional cultural dance performance at the Kandy Lake Club, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7. Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (BLD)
Travel into the cool highlands, stopping at Ramboda waterfall, a cascading beauty surrounded by valleys and mountain scenery. After lunch, visit a tea plantation to learn about the process behind world-famous Ceylon tea. Complete your day with a delightful high tea at the historic Grand Hotel.
One night: Araliya Red Hotel.
Day 8. Nuwara Eliya to Ella to Tissamaharama (BD)
After breakfast transfer to Nanu Oya for one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Travel by train to Ella, passing rolling tea fields, misty peaks and waterfalls. Visit the renowned Nine Arches Bridge before continuing by road to Tissamaharama on the edge of Yala National Park.
Two nights: Oak Ray Wild Yala Hotel.
Day 9. Udawalawe Park and Elephant Transit Home (BLD)
Travel to Udawalawe for a jeep safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, birdlife and sweeping landscapes. Visit the Elephant Transit Home to see young orphaned elephants being rehabilitated for release back into the wild. Enjoy a restful afternoon and dinner at the hotel.
Day 10. Tissamaharama to Galle (BL)
Rise early for a safari in Yala National Park, known for its wildlife diversity and one of the world’s highest concentrations of leopards. Later travel to Galle, stopping at the Galle International Cricket Stadium before enjoying free time in this coastal city.
Two nights: The Merchant Hotel.
Day 11. Galle (B)
Enjoy a walking tour of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch and British eras. Handmade lace and artisan workshops add to the charm. Enjoy a free afternoon to wander, shop or relax.
Day 12. Galle to Colombo (BD)
Enjoy a relaxed start before visiting the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, an important conservation centre releasing millions of hatchlings over the years. Continue to Colombo for free time followed by a farewell dinner.
One night: Cinnamon Red Colombo.
Day 13. Depart Colombo (BD)
Depart for a morning tour of Colombo, a city where modern development blends with colonial heritage. Visit the clock tower, temples, Pettah Bazaar and historic neighbourhoods. Spend the afternoon relaxing before your late check-out and final dinner. Later transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to Perth.
Itinerary is subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Call 08 9754 2026 for details.
New Paragraph
Guide:
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
eg. BLD indicates three meals included on that day of the itinerary.
PPTW is per person twinshare accommodation.
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Tour Activity Levels
With such a diverse collection of travel options, we want to ensure you choose the right holiday for you.
Our tour activity levels are a guide to the required fitness level for each of our holidays.
Look out for the feet when reading about a tour!
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Relaxed
Designed for travellers with lower mobility who can manage everyday movement independently. You must be able to embark and disembark coaches, trains, and other transport via steps, carry your own luggage, and walk short distances. Stairs may be encountered at times. Walking aids (sticks and walkers) are welcome. Travellers who bring a companion to help provide assistance may find these holidays suitable.
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Moderate
For travellers who walk confidently and unaided. In addition to Relaxed requirements, expect guided walking tours that may include gentle inclines and stair climbs, some longer days, and multiple hotel changes. Access to accommodation may involve stairs, short walks to facilities, and showers over baths. Walking sticks are welcome unless the tour includes overnight rail or cruising—please check with staff.
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Active
For travellers comfortable with full sightseeing days. Building on Moderate requirements, these tours feature more activities, extended periods of standing and walking, and nature-based excursions. You must be able to walk confidently over uneven surfaces at a steady pace, and negotiate busy transport terminals. Expect feature walks for up to 3 hours, and activities that may include small aircraft, vehicles, vessels and watercraft. Not suitable for travellers requiring walking aids or assistance from others.
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Highly Active
Requires good general fitness. Excursions will be over more difficult terrain and require a certain level of agility. You will be required to walk confidently for up to 3 hours over uneven surfaces including soft sand, rocky surfaces and creek crossing. Some itineraries will explore remote locations. No walkers allowed.
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Challenging
For travellers with a high level of fitness and previous outdoor experience. Building on Highly Active requirements, these tours involve full days of physical activity in remote or rugged locations that may be difficult to access. You must be able to walk confidently for 6 or more hours per day over multiple days while carrying a day pack and be comfortable walking in varied weather conditions. Not suitable for travellers using walking aids or requiring assistance.